Gibson approved to federal bench

September 23, 2003|By LEONA KOZUCH, Daily American Staff Writer

In a unanimous decision by members of the U.S. Senate Tuesday, Somerset County Judge Kim Gibson received confirmation that he would be the next U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

"I am honored by the Senate confirmation vote," he said. "I thank President George W. Bush, Sen. Arlen Specter and Sen. Rick Santorum for the confidence they have expressed in me and for their support."

A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy in 1970, he received his degree in law from Dickinson Law School with Magna Cum Laude honors in 1975.

"I also thank all of the wonderful people who assisted me and encouraged me in the nomination and confirmation process," he said.

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He added that it is an excellent opportunity for not only himself, but also for Somerset County as a whole.

"It is excellent that Somerset County will have one of its residents on the federal judiciary because it reflects well on our community," he said. "I look forward to continuing to serve our community as a federal district judge."

Gibson now serves on the state court where he has been a jurist since 1998.

Somerset County Commissioner Jimmy Marker said that the vote was bitter-sweet.

"In my own personal opinion, it is tough to see him go because he is a solid judge," he said. "Kim is an example of a judge with the utmost of integrity. I have known him to be fair and honest."

Marker said that Gibson has been instrumental in helping establish a juvenile drug court one evening each week for offenders to find help.

"He is a 'tough on crime' judge," he said. "It has definitely been one of the many ways he has given back to our community."

Gibson also is a co-chairman of the Fight 93 Task Force.

According to Sen. Arlen Specter, Gibson is "well grounded academically, well grounded professionally."

Specter said he has no doubts that Gibson will be an excellent federal judge.

"He will make an outstanding federal judge," Specter said.

According to Somerset County District Attorney Jerry Spangler, the next step to fill Gibson's vacancy in the county will be determined by a gubernatorial appointment.

"There is a 90-day window to make a nomination for his position," he said. "Then, there is a two-thirds vote needed from the Senate to solidify the choice."

Spangler, a long-time colleague working alongside Gibson while they shared office space years ago, said that Gibson "has the highest regard of anyone I know when it comes to the knowledge of human law and nature."

Gibson's nomination was first announced on April 28. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Gibson's nomination on July 30.